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Defense/Military

China’s Nuclear Submarine Buildup: Numbers Growing, but Strategic Value Uncertain

A recent report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) reveals that China has significantly accelerated its nuclear submarine production over the past five years, with its annual launch numbers surpassing those of the United States for the first time. However, analysts caution that whether this rapid expansion translates into genuine operational and strategic advantage depends largely on China’s ability to break through the First Island Chain and conduct quiet, reliable, large-scale operations across the broader Pacific.

According to the IISS report, China is expanding its Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry facility in Huludao and increasing submarine construction to reinforce its emerging nuclear triad. The number of submarines launched between 2021 and 2025 exceeded the total from the previous decade, including the seventh and eighth Jin-class (Type 094) nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) identified via commercial satellite imagery. Construction of the Type 093B nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), equipped with vertical launch systems, is also accelerating, with satellite imagery suggesting up to nine have been launched since 2022 — a production rate of roughly two per year.

While China’s submarine design and quality still lags behind the United States and Europe, the sheer and growing number of vessels presents an increasingly serious challenge. SSBN patrols remain largely confined to the South China Sea, though China is extending its strike range by introducing the longer-range JL-3 missile. The next-generation Type 096 submarine is expected to enter production before 2030, underscoring China’s strategic push to strengthen sea-based nuclear deterrence.

As of January 2026, the U.S. leads globally with 71 nuclear submarines, while China ranks second with 32. Yet the fundamental geographic challenge remains: to reach open Pacific waters, Chinese submarines must transit sensor-dense chokepoints such as the Miyako Strait and Luzon Strait. Whether China’s stealth technology and command-and-control systems are advanced enough for that task remains an open question.

Source: Deutsche Welle, February 20, 2026
https://p.dw.com/p/59838

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military

China’s Breakthrough in Compact High-Power Microwave Weapons Technology

China has achieved a significant breakthrough with its TPG1000C high-power microwave weapon system, successfully miniaturizing the drive source while maintaining pulse emission capability for up to one minute. According to Chinese military expert Qiu Shiqing, this advancement will provide China with crucial means to secure “spectrum dominance” on complex electromagnetic battlefields, enabling the weapon to not only disrupt or destroy low-earth orbit satellites but also demonstrate tremendous combat potential against drone swarms and the United States’ full-spectrum warfare systems.

Developed by the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, the TPG1000C has become the world’s first high-power microwave weapon capable of continuously emitting pulses for one minute. This compact device measures only four meters in length and weighs five tons, capable of releasing up to 20 gigawatts of power over sixty seconds. It can be mounted on trucks, warships, aircraft, or even satellites, and can interfere with or damage low-earth orbit satellites, including Starlink satellites. The system can fire up to 3,000 high-energy pulses per session, significantly outperforming similar systems that previously operated for no more than three seconds.

The breakthrough centers on miniaturizing the drive source using a compact Tesla transformer capable of achieving 20GW maximum output power with minimal pulse fluctuation and a maximum repetition frequency of 50Hz. Qiu emphasizes this achievement is highly significant for China’s ability to establish spectrum dominance on the battlefield. High-power microwave weapons offer cost-effective, reusable advantages in electronic warfare and counter-drone operations. Experts believe these weapons possess enormous potential for future warfare, particularly in countering American full-spectrum warfare systems by disrupting battlefield perception, command, and communication capabilities.

Source: Sputnik News, February 10, 2026
https://sputniknews.cn/20260210/1069712975.html

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military

Chinese “Medical Ship” Touring Latin America Suspected to Have Military Objectives

A large Chinese vessel, the “Silk Road Ark,” is touring Latin America and the Caribbean under the banner of a “medical mission,” but its presence has sparked significant concern among local authorities and experts. In Brazil, officials reported that the crew provided medical services without proper authorization, and attempts by Brazilian regulators to inspect the ship were reportedly denied. Critics in host countries have questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the vessel’s activities, raising concerns that its mission may extend beyond purely humanitarian aid.

Observers suggest it may be linked to the Chinese navy rather than functioning solely as a civilian medical vessel. Features such as advanced communications systems, as well as the ship’s size and capabilities, fuel suspicions about possible intelligence-gathering or other dual-use purposes. As a result, some analysts interpret the voyage as part of a broader pattern of Chinese strategic and military projection carried out under the guise of soft-power diplomacy.

From a geopolitical standpoint, the ship’s tour takes place amid intensifying competition between China and the United States for influence in the Western Hemisphere. China’s expanding footprint in the region — including reported military activities near the Caribbean — contrasts with renewed U.S. efforts to strengthen partnerships and reaffirm strategic interests in Latin America.

Source: Epoch Times, February 3, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/2/3/n14689964.htm

Briefings | | |   @CS Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

Beijing Garrison Command Filled by Armed Police Officer Amid Leadership Shake-Up

The position of commander of the Beijing Garrison Command had been vacant for approximately ten months before recent public information indicated that Chen Yuan, formerly commander of the Shanghai Armed Police Contingent, has been appointed to the post. The Beijing Garrison Command is responsible for securing China’s top leadership as well as central Party and state institutions, and it reports directly to the Central Military Commission (CMC).

Chen’s predecessor, Fu Wenhua, was reassigned as deputy commander of the People’s Armed Police in March last year. Fu was widely regarded as a former subordinate of CMC Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia, who fell from power in January. Analysts note that the extended vacancy and the timing of Chen’s appointment coincided with the period leading up to Zhang’s removal.

Commentators have described Chen’s appointment as unusual, given that he comes from the People’s Armed Police rather than the People’s Liberation Army. They argue that this may reflect an effort by Xi Jinping to distance key internal security positions from military networks associated with figures such as Zhang Youxia or Miao Hua.

{Editor’s Note: Unverified rumors had been widely circulating online that the death of former Premier Li Keqiang in Shanghai was out of Xi’s order; Chen Yuan and Shanghai Armed Police were allegedly involved in it.}

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), February 7, 2026
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202602070147.aspx

Briefings | | |   @CS Defense/Military

Theoretical, Strategic, and Operational Foundations of Intelligentized Warfare

People’s Daily republished an article from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Daily examining how victory can be achieved in informationized and intelligentized warfare through advances in military theory, strategic planning, and operational innovation.

The article argues that advanced military theory is a fundamental source of combat power and must integrate modern scientific disciplines while continuously evolving through practical testing and iterative refinement.

It emphasizes the need for forward-looking, technology-driven strategic planning that moves beyond reacting to conflict toward actively shaping future warfare. This approach includes anticipating disruptive technologies, prioritizing emerging strategic domains—such as cyberspace, outer space, the deep sea, and polar regions—and adopting flexible, adaptive planning frameworks to manage uncertainty.

Finally, the article highlights the importance of innovating operational concepts and tactics to translate technological advantages into battlefield dominance. Key themes include treating data, algorithms, networks, and intelligence as decisive combat factors; redesigning command-and-control processes for greater speed and adaptability; and promoting cross-domain integration to achieve agile, system-level combat effectiveness.

Source: People’s Daily, January 27, 2026
http://military.people.com.cn/n1/2026/0127/c1011-40653648.html

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Information/Technology

PLA Daily Commentary Casts Zhang Youxia as a Political Enemy and Calls on the Military to Pledge Loyalty to Xi Jinping

Following Beijing’s announcement on January 24 of the downfall of Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and Chief of Staff Liu Zhenli, the Chinese military remained notably silent in publicly expressing support for the decision.

On January 31, PLA Daily published a commentary on the case. While framed on the surface as an anti-corruption article, the piece was laden with strong political messaging. Below are excerpts from People’s Daily, which republished the commentary, along with key interpretations.

The article characterizes the cases of Zhang and Liu not merely as corruption cases, but as political cases, signaling that they are viewed as antagonistic enemies of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), rather than as participants in a non-antagonistic internal disciplinary violation, which corruption cases typically represent. It states:

“This decision to place Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli under case filing, review, and investigation is … a resolute struggle to eliminate major political hidden dangers.”
“They will ultimately be forever nailed to the pillar of shame in history.”

Editor’s Note: “Nailed to the pillar of shame in history” (钉在历史的耻辱柱上) is a particularly severe CCP expression, typically reserved for figures deemed politically hostile or fundamentally opposed to the Party.

The commentary also signals a broader purge of individuals connected to Zhang and Liu:

“Resolutely investigating and punishing Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli is of great significance for pushing the people’s armed forces to eradicate the root causes of spreading toxins and to achieve renewal and rebirth.”

Editor’s Note: “Spreading toxins” (流毒) is a CCP term commonly used to describe the lingering influence of a disgraced leader and the networks or factions associated with them.

The article further warns military personnel:

“As for those who show no sense of awe and test the law with their own actions, whoever is involved will be investigated, and however deep the entanglements run will be thoroughly unearthed. Party members and cadres in the military, especially leading cadres, must always harbor a sense of awe, abandon any illusion of luck, and not act without restraint or fail to know when to stop. They must keep firmly in mind the principle that ‘hands must not reach out—once you do, you will surely be caught,’ take the lead in observing discipline and the law, and exercise strict self-discipline.”

The commentary concludes by placing strong emphasis on ideological and political loyalty to Xi Jinping:

“The entire military must adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as its guide, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military, fully carry out the political strategy for building the military in the new era, uphold the Party’s absolute leadership over the people’s armed forces, deeply grasp the decisive significance of the ‘Two Establishes,’ strengthen the ‘Four Consciousnesses,’ bolster the ‘Four Confidences,’ and achieve the ‘Two Upholds,’ implement the responsibility system of the CMC Chairman, and resolutely obey Chairman Xi’s command, be responsible to Chairman Xi, and reassure Chairman Xi.”

Source: People’s Daily, January 31, 2026
http://military.people.com.cn/n1/2026/0131/c1011-40656924.html

Briefings | | |   @CS Defense/Military

Xinhua: Europe Seeks to Showcase Independent Capabilities in NATO Exercises

NATO has launched two major military exercises in Europe—”Operation Arctic Endurance 2026” in the Arctic and “Steadfast Dart 2026” in Central and Western Europe—but their scale, organization, and strategic messaging differ markedly from past routine drills. Rather than serving solely as tests of defensive readiness, these exercises appear shaped by the broader geopolitical environment, particularly growing U.S.–European strategic divergences and shifting priorities within the alliance.

For the first time, the Arctic-focused exercise, initiated by Denmark in Greenland, and the large-scale Steadfast Dart maneuver, led by Germany with participation from around 11 allied nations, reflect a stronger European leadership role and a reduced U.S. presence. According to the article, this signals Europe’s effort to demonstrate its capacity to manage regional security independently, marking a notable departure from NATO’s traditionally U.S.-dominated command structure.

However, Xinhua underscores significant underlying problems. Both exercises were reportedly organized in haste, marked by last-minute planning, equipment incompatibilities, and lower-than-expected participation from some members. Defense experts cited in the article characterize the drills as more symbolic than operationally substantive. These shortcomings, combined with divergent strategic objectives among European allies and constrained resources, point to deeper strains in NATO’s cohesion, interoperability, and overall ability to respond effectively to a major crisis.

Source: Xinhua, January 30, 2029
https://www.news.cn/milpro/20260130/f8323e59166a4dffb6500a11244b1ae5/c.html

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend

Unusual Silence in PLA Follows Arrest of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli

As of January 29, more than five days have passed since Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli were brought down, the Chinese military as a whole has issued no public statement of support yet. By contrast, when former Central Military Commission (CMC) vice chairmen Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong fell from power in 2014 and 2015, the military swiftly declared its “support for the central leadership’s decision” the following day.

Multiple sources close to the Chinese military say that officers and soldiers privately questioned whether detaining Zhang and Liu without publicly releasing evidence amounted to a political purge. This has seriously shaken confidence within the ranks in top-level decision-making and sparked strong discontent among personnel across several theater commands.

Military insiders further disclosed that a number of directives issued by the CMC have encountered widespread resistance at the grassroots level, leaving orders effectively unenforced. Among rank-and-file troops, some have even been heard referring to Xi Jinping as “Baozi,” a nickname commonly used by the public to mock him.

{Editor’s Note: Senior officials may fear that a large-scale purge of officers with close ties to Zhang and Liu is inevitable. As a result, even those who publicly express support may not avoid being targeted themselves.}

Source: NTDTV, January 30, 2026
https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2026/01/29/a104061477.html

Briefings | | |   @CS Defense/Military